Italian Hot Chocolate – Thick and Decadent

There's no hot chocolate quite like Italian hot chocolate, it's thick, smooth, creamy and so indulgent. If you're looking for something chocolatey, hot and comforting to curl up on the couch with then this is the thing for you!

When we think of hot chocolate, we're always reminded of that powdery stuff that comes in little sachets that smells great but is often watery, thin and disappointing. This Italian hot chocolate is so chocolatey, rich and indulgent, it's so easy to make at home and it's ready from start to finish in 5 minutes. There's no excuse not to make your own hot chocolate from scratch and you definitely won't be disappointed!

Hot chocolate is the ultimate, comforting drink to curl up with on the couch with a cozy blanket, fluffy socks and a good movie. At this time of year, it's one of our favourite things to do, especially when it's bitterly cold outside.

We first tried this sweet treat when we were young and on holiday in Milan with our family. We had spent all day walking and sightseeing on a freezing cold day and decided to stop at a cafe for a hot drink.

We ordered hot chocolate and was served a small mug of melted, thick chocolate that was out-of-this-world good. It was without a doubt the best hot chocolate we had ever tastedit was a thick, pudding-like drink and it's so easy to make at home too.

Personally, we love this Italian hot chocolate the way it is but you could also add marshmallows, cream, caramel sauce or even a shot of Irish cream liqueur for an over the top, decadent dessert. That's what this time of year is all about right?

How To Make Italian Hot Chocolate

Add milk to a saucepan and then add chopped chocolate, cocoa powder and sugar. Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally until all the chocolate and sugar has melted.

Mix the corn starch with 2 tbsp of milk then add it to the chocolate milk. Stir the hot chocolate until thick and smooth, add a small pinch of salt and serve in mugs.

More Italian chocolate treats to try

Christmas

Frangelico Hot Chocolate Affogato

Italian Desserts

Homemade Baci Chocolates (Italian Kisses)

Italian Desserts

Torta Barozzi (Rich, Flourless Chocolate Cake)

Christmas

Panpepato (Christmas Spiced Cake)

Ingredients

Makes 4 - 6 people

• 3.5 oz (100g) chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder, unsweetend
• 2 tbsp caster sugar
• 2 cups (500ml) milk + 2 tbsp
• 4 tsp corn starch
• 1 small pinch smoked salt or regular

Method

1. Add the milk to a saucepan and add the chopped chocolate, cocoa powder and sugar. Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally until all the chocolate and sugar has melted.

2. Mix the corn starch with 2 tbsp of milk then add it to the chocolate milk. Stir the hot chocolate until thick and smooth, add a small pinch of salt and serve in mugs.